Ilkeston Town 0 Newport County 1

NEWPORT County showed their resilient side at Ilkeston Town as they battled and fought for their fifth away win in seven matches - but it came at a cost.

The Exiles 1-0 win was a real gutsy performance, however it was marred as injury-prone Stuart James hobbled off in the 17th minute with a back problem - in a game that was his come-back from a three-month lay-off with knee ligament trouble.

James twisted his back turning for the ball - and the dejected 26-year-old right winger headed for the dressing room grimacing in agony.

It is unclear how long James will be sidelined this time, but with only three weeks left of the season it is unlikely that he'll figure again in Tim Harris' side before the summer break.

County have been inconsistent to say the least this campaign, but they showed the good side at a blustery New Manor Ground on Saturday in a hard-fought 1-0 success - their fifth win in a row against the Derbyshire side, though they slip to 11th in the table on goal difference.

Red-faced Steve Coates put one through his own net in just the fourth minute - and that proved enough for County, who should really have scored a few more.

The Welshmen's players rolled their sleeves up and closed down the opposition well.

Their young midfield worked hard all game with 18-year-old Allan Stevenson making an impressive debut alongside 19-year-old Nathan Davies.

A hamstring injury kept Matt Rose out while Newport's mini-striker crisis meant Martin Paul had his third partner up-front in as many games with Steve Cowe helping to lead the line.

Ilkeston now have not won for four games under new manager, former Scottish international striker John McGinlay - and their nightmare start did not help.

Scott Walker's free-kick from the right-hand-side hit Ilkeston defender Paul Challinor then fellow Robin Coates before flying agonisingly past his own keeper Saul Deeney.

The visitors had four excellent chances in the opening quarter-of-an-hour - with Martin Paul going close twice, Walker fluffing an opportunity right in front of goal and Darren Ryan skying a low left-wing cross with only Town's Republic Of Ireland under-19 international keeper Deeney to beat

Ilkeston had their best chance just before the hour-mark. Mountain's cross-bar was rattled just minutes later.

Harris could not ask for more than a win and a clean sheet at Ilkeston. Now, they travel to Moor Green tomorrow (7:30pm) hoping to continue their good form away from Newport Stadium.

Ilkeston Town (3-5-2) : S Deeney; P Challinor (J Whitehead, 55), C Timons, G Middleton; I Robinson, J Fairbrother (E Nwadike, 83), S Coates, J Knapper (c), D Holmes; G Kirkwood, N Kennerdale (C Wright, 70).

Newport County AFC (4-4-2) : P Mountain; D Robison (c), A Thomas, B Clark, S Benton; S James (D Ryan, 17), A Stevenson, N Davies, S Walker; S Cowe (M Fowler, 87) M Paul Sub Not Used: R Edwards.